This training is designed for beginners who are looking to gain basic graphic design skills to enhance their (and/or their organizations') online presence. Over the two-day course, participants will learn the fundamental principles of visual communication, and gain practice applying those principles to a variety of design projects through a guided workshopping process. Participants will also learn how to use graphics software to bring their ideas to fruition.

Have you noticed lately that everywhere you look, graphics are an increasingly large part of the online landscape? Do you wish that you were better equipped to visually communicate your organization's story? Are you interested in gaining basic design skills but aren't sure where to start? Then you should join us for our upcoming two-day graphic design training.

This training is designed for beginners who are looking to gain basic graphic design skills to enhance their (and/or their organizations') online presence. Over the two-day course, participants will learn the fundamental principles of visual communication, and gain practice applying those principles to a variety of design projects through a guided workshopping process. Participants will also learn how to use graphics software to bring their ideas to fruition.

This training costs $550 and will be held September 23-24 at NOI, in Washington, DC.

FAQ: GRAPHIC DESIGN TRAINING

Q: I'm not exactly a beginner -- I've been doing basic things in Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator for a while. Do you think this training will be too basic for me?

A: I think there will definitely be people at this training who are total beginners and aspire to end the two days at your skill level, but you could still glean a lot of value from this & take your skills & your design products to the next level. We'll be doing a couple hours of design principles on the first day, then applying the principles to issue campaign projects, while getting lots of coaching, and additional training. Because the workshopping time is individualized, you shouldn't be in a situation where beginners would be holding you back, and you can get assistance, critiques and advice that push your ideas and designs further.

Q: What software are we using for the training?

A: We'll be using Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator, which is available as part of Adobe Creative Cloud. Creative Cloud allows you to install a free 30 day trial, and after that, it costs about $50 per month for most people.

Q: What kind of tools will you cover and what specific skills will you go over?

A: The training will cover both design principles and software skills. An incomplete list of what we'll go over: the fundamentals of visual communication, how to apply the principles of good design to your work in order to communicate more clearly & effectively, how to handle different files types for print and web, and how to work with existing files. Participants will also be working on projects individually, and get coaching and help during project time.

*If you need just a little extra help to afford the training, *you can also apply for a scholarship*.